2009 Award Winner: Cultural Care au pair Ricardo Silva de Araujo

On November 16, 2007, Brazilian au pair Ricardo Silva de Araújo, traveled to the U.S. to live with the Boyer Family in Richmond, VA. Host parents Kim and John have three older children who no longer live at home, but their youngest, Taylor was 16 years old when Ricardo arrived.

The Boyers have been hosting male au pairs since 2004 to help care for Taylor who has had brain damage and a seizure disorder since infancy. Taylor speaks but a few words and he is small for his age - he's just five feet tall and 80 pounds - but, like other boys, he goes to school, walks, loves to play ball and visit the local hangouts. Host mom Kim says, "Every child is a privilege and a child with special needs is just a more challenging privilege."

Although most of his childcare hours came from working in a school and babysitting, Ricardo had some experience caring for special needs children back in Brazil. Upon meeting the Boyers, he immediately acquainted himself with Taylor's needs and jumped right into the family's hectic schedule. The first year went so well, Ricardo decided to extend his year in the U.S. and stay another 12 months.

Host mom Kim Boyer couldn't be more thrilled - and the letter she wrote to nominate Ricardo for "Au Pair of the Year" explains why.

"It became apparent that Ricardo was an exceptional young man, full of compassion, patience, gentleness, and a desire to see the disabled enjoy a life like yours and mine as much as possible. He never tires of encouraging Taylor to meet his challenges and reach beyond them whenever possible. The friendship that has developed between the two of them is loyal and enduring.He has truly enhanced Taylor's life in a way I never thought possible; and in a way I will forever be grateful. Ricardo is an excellent example of all that one would hope for in a childcare provider but also all that one would enjoy as a precious 'son' and dear friend. He is truly the spirit of Cultural Care and the best in mankind."

Ricardo is just as grateful for the experience he's had at the Boyer household. "We [Taylor and I] are good friends, best buddies. I want to make him as happy as I am, and give to Taylor good moments by my side.

To Taylor I give my best, this is the way to thank him for all that he taught me. Our friendship will be forever. His disability it is not an obstacle for his happiness, this makes me feel good. I came to America as an au pair, I will leave like a better human. Special needs are not an excuse to not to find the happiness and the real meaning of life."

Ricardo was honored at IAPA’s Annual Conference and Work Experience Travel Market in the Vienna, Austria on March 25, 2009. He also attended Cultural Care Au Pair's National Meeting in Los Angeles, CA in April, 2009. Cultural Care Au Pair would like to thank Ricardo—and all of our au pairs across the country—for their commitment and dedication to their Cultural Care host families.